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2016 Subaru Outback

Essentially a wagon version of the Legacy midsize sedan with additional ground clearance and SUV-flavored styling cues, the Subaru Outback offers a roomy cabin, a sure-footed all-wheel-drive system and excellent fuel economy relative to its size.

Overview
Though it debuted before the term had been coined, in retrospect the original Outback was one of the first crossover vehicles to hit the market, combining efficient and wieldy car-based mechanicals with the styling, elevated ride height and versatility buyers had come to appreciate in SUVs.

Several decades and redesigns later, the Outback continues to deliver that same cocktail of characteristics, albeit with a host of modern updates. Outside, the familiar "rugged," SUV-like styling cues are in evidence, including oversized fog lights, imitation skid plates and tough-looking black plastic trim. But the overall look is sleeker than it was in the past thanks to details like shapely headlights, crisp swage lines and a handsome hexagonal grille.

Inside, the clean, functional dashboard houses a 6.2-inch touchscreen that integrates a high-definition rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, the audio system and Subaru's Starlink infotainment system. The latter provides access to Aha, which offers tens of thousands of stations of Web-based content like Slacker, MOG and Rhapsody. Starlink can also help keep Subaru owners stay connected to the social network via Facebook and Twitter news feeds in audio.

Mid- and high-end models get a larger 7.0-inch display with extras like SMS text messaging capability and iTunes tagging, and both setups offer tablet- and smartphone-inspired swipe and scrolling gesture functionality.

High-quality materials adorn the Outback's cabin, while passengers both front and rear enjoy stretch-out space. Cargo capacity is also a major Outback strong suite - 35.3 cubic feet of stowage space are available behind the rear seats, expanding to a capacious 73.3 cubes with the rear seats folded flat.

Powertrain Lineup
Like all Subaru models except the lightweight BRZ sports car, the Outback comes standard with all-wheel-drive. In combination with an SUV-like 8.7-inches of ground clearance, the drivetrain is a boon for wet and wintry-weather traction.

The Outback's entry-level engine is a 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder that produces 175 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. While that's middling power for the segment, the mill does return 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway - those are impressive figures that best what some smaller, front-wheel-drive crossovers can eke out.

More power can be had by choosing the optional 3.6-liter boxer six-cylinder, which churns out 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft. The big six is good for 20/27 mpg.

Now in its second generation, EyeSight uses two charge-coupled device cameras Subaru developed in house to closely monitor vehicles, pedestrians, traffic lanes and other potential obstacles. Unlike cameras offered on some other vehicles, Subaru placed its EyeSight system above the Outback's windshield near the rearview mirror.

At speeds below 31 mph, EyeSight can bring a so-equipped Outback to a complete stop if it detects an impending collision with a pedestrian, bicyclist, vehicle or other obstacle. Above 31 mph, the system can apply the vehicle's brakes to reduce the severity of an impending impact.

In addition to that active safety technology, the EyeSight package's adaptive cruise control helps drivers maintain a set distance from other vehicles on a highway. Its lane departure and sway warning systems alert drivers if they unintentionally start to wander within their lane or make their way into another lane.

Options include the aforementioned EyeSight safety suite, while upper-trim Outbacks are fitted with blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert. The latter warns the driver of approaching traffic in backup situations.

Key Competitors
One of Subaru's most well-known models, the Outback wagon doesn't have any true competitors - its the last midsize non-premium wagon on the market. Those looking to do some cross-shopping should check out similarly sized crossovers such as the Ford Edge, the Nissan Murano and the Honda Crosstour. More expensive (but smaller) wagons like the BMW 3-Series Wagon and the Audi allroad.